E-Commerce Jumps in UAE, GCC

The UAE is leading the way in e-commerce among countries in the GCC, according to Visa and the Interactive Media in Retail Group. The UAE now accounts for almost 60 percent of the region’s online sales. Online sales are expected to reach $5 billion by the end of this year. One major factor has been the ability to pay government fees online.

It’s quite a jump to number two on the list, Saudi Arabia with an estimated $520 million in e-commerce. Overall Internet usage has grown dramatically from 2000 when there were 1.2 million online in the region to today where there were 18.7 online users in 2010. That an amazing 1500 percent increase, with more to come.

Emirates Business Law Blog

What are the hottest issues and investment areas in the Middle East region today? How are business opportunities changing the global landscape? We are closely watching, reporting, and keeping readers up to date on the business and legal developments between the UAE and global emerging markets. Subscribe and stop by often.